University of Illinois: School president backs independent probe into admissions practices

June 09, 2009|By Jodi S. Cohen, Tribune reporter

The University of Illinois' top administrator voiced his support Monday for an independent investigation into admissions practices at the Urbana-Champaign campus.

During an appearance on "Chicago Tonight," President B. Joseph White said he would encourage Gov. Pat Quinn to appoint a panel to examine the role of clout lists at the state's most prestigious public university. White already has plans for a university-run task force, but he said the school would benefit from a more detached review.

"We need as independent an investigation as possible," he said.

Quinn is expected to address U. of I. admissions practices later this week in the wake of a Tribune series on a shadow system that at times allowed politically connected applicants to gain admission despite weak academic credentials. The review found about 800 students placed on patronage lists with the sway of state legislators and university trustees since 2005.

The university suspended the clout lists last week and announced plans to appoint a panel to suggest ways to avoid political pressure in future admissions decisions. White said he formed the task force to ensure the situation was addressed, but that he believes an investigation spearheaded by Quinn's office could play a key role.